Golf alignment sticks are cheap, light, easily transported in your bag and likely to make small, yet rapid improvements to your game. They ensure you are aligned to your target correctly when practicing, which is vital for grooving a solid, consistent golf swing.
Full Answer
How important is alignment when playing golf?
If your goal is to hit a straight shot at your target without curve, then having proper alignment is critical. Most amateur golfers can spend hours at the driving range working on their technique and not even think about whether they are lined up properly.
How to use a golf alignment stick?
By connecting your alignment sticks in a perpendicular “T” shape and placing one side along the target line and the other along the desired ball location line (relative to your feet), then you can be assured of proper ball placement at setup.
How far should I align my golf club to the line?
With the club still held up on the ball to target line, pick a spot about 6-12 inches in front of the ball along that line (still with your dominant eye only). This can be a blade of grass or discoloration. It’s a lot easier to align to something close to you than 200 yards in the distance.
How can I improve my hand positions when playing golf?
Another great drill to practice is by taking an alignment stick and holding it with your club so that it “extends” the club at the handle. This drill helps promote proper hand positioning at impact on short pitch and chip shots to avoid “breaking your wrists” during contact.
Why do pro golfers carry alignment sticks?
Instructor Shawn Humphries lays them on the ground for alignment and direction, sticks the sharp end into the turf so they serve as guides for swing plane or clubhead path, attaches them to the clothing of golfers (mostly through belt loops) to help indicate level or square address positions, and even uses them for ...
What is the point of alignment sticks?
Alignment sticks are simply a pair of slender sticks that can be placed on the ground to give you a visual aid as to how to align your body and the club face at address.
How do golf alignment sticks work?
As you take the club back to the point where you have introduced your wrist hinge, the angle of the club shaft should match the alignment stick. Then as you swing down, the club should pass under the plane of the alignment stick. This will create that 'in-to-out' swing path that so many amateur golfers struggle with.
How do you use an alignment stick on a driver?
1:5311:3110 NEW golf alignment stick uses and drills (plus the obvious one)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the target on the line of the target that you want to hit. And just smash balls down that lineMoreOn the target on the line of the target that you want to hit. And just smash balls down that line get the feeling of what it's like to aim the club.
Do pros carry alignment sticks?
It's pretty rare in a warm up that they'll use one sticking out of the ground, but pros use alignment sticks for many of the same reasons amateurs might, too. Many professional golfers will carry a form of alignment stick with a magnetic end that can be attached to the face of the golf club.
Do I need alignment sticks golf?
There's so much that goes into a golf swing that sometimes we drift, which could cause you to hit the ball wrong. So, it's important to get grounded in your alignment. Alignment sticks, or aiming sticks, are designed to do just that. They also help improve your swing path and aim, making them a great golf training aid.
How do you properly align in golf?
9:1113:15The 5 WORST ALIGNMENT MISTAKES Golfers Make & How To ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't always look at the toe. Line your shoulder line is far more important so the only way you canMoreDon't always look at the toe. Line your shoulder line is far more important so the only way you can really check that is to hold a goal from across your shoulders.
How do you use an alignment stick on a swing path?
As with ball position, you can do this with one stick but two or three is better. Start out by setting a stick along your toe line aimed just left of your target. Then take a second stick, place it a few inches behind the ball or in front of the ball, and aim it along your desired swing path.
How do you set alignment sticks to hit a draw?
1:514:37How to Develop Focus, Draw Low and High Shots With Alignment SticksYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOf the alignment stick in front of us or our intended target. So we have our feet our knees our hipsMoreOf the alignment stick in front of us or our intended target. So we have our feet our knees our hips and our shoulders. Parallel to your body line but left of target.
How do you stick swing speed in golf?
2:243:45SuperSpeed Golf Training System Review - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you swing it from your non-dominant. Side three times as fast as you can. And you continue thatMoreAnd you swing it from your non-dominant. Side three times as fast as you can. And you continue that with the medium weight. And then three swings from both sides with the heavy weight as well.
Why is alignment important in golf?
The importance of alignment in golf. Without proper alignment, your body receives mixed signals from your brain, with regards to your body position and your intended target. If your eyes are looking towards the target but your body and club face are actually aligned to the right or left of it, you’ll need to make adjustments in your swing, ...
What is the most important part of golf?
Alignment: The most important part of your set up before every golf shot. It’s hard to say that any of the fundamentals are more important than another, as all should be continually perfected, but if there’s one that causes more missed shots, then alignment in golf clearly stands out. Once you’ve learned the correct, grip, posture, ...
How far away should you stand from a golf ball?
Stand 4-5 feet away from the ball, directly behind it, and trace an imaginary line from the target back to the ball. It’s imperative that you stand behind the ball to see this line. Trying to do it while standing in the address position will create an optical illusion and almost always, result in poor alignment.
How to use alignment sticks in golf?
The most common way golf alignment sticks are used is by placing them on the ground in front of you in a parallel arrangement. This layout will give you a visual aid on how to align your feet and the clubhead at setup. One alignment stick will be placed along the target line just beyond the golf ball. The other stick will be placed in front of your toes along the target line and parallel to the first stick. If you’ve been lining up incorrectly for a long period of time, then this may feel a bit strange at first.
Where is the alignment stick on a golf ball?
One alignment stick will be placed along the target line just beyond the golf ball. The other stick will be placed in front of your toes along the target line and parallel to the first stick. If you’ve been lining up incorrectly for a long period of time, then this may feel a bit strange at first.
How to get a better inside swing path?
Practice this drill by placing one stick in the ground at about a 15 degree angle.
What are golf alignment sticks made of?
Most golf alignment sticks are made from a durable fiberglass or plastic.
What is alignment rod?
Golf alignment sticks, also known as alignment rods, are one of the most basic and essential swing training aids you can get. These long, slender sticks can be used in ...
What is a pointed end in golf?
The pointed end allows for easy insertion into the ground. Some sets include a connection device that allows the sticks to be arrange in a “T” shape. You can find golf alignment sticks in a variety of colors. Most golfers prefer a bright or contrasting color to the ground to help provide a stronger visual cue.
What happens if you bend your lead wrist?
If done incorrectly and your lead wrist bends, then the stick will make contact with the side of your rib-cage at impact.
What is the relationship between club face aim, body alignment and backswing?
Here’s why: If you set up with the face closed, your alignment will tend to be square to the club face and therefore open to the target. Your backswing will also tend to start back too far to the outside.
What is the aim of a golf club?
Aim: The position of the club face at address. It can be aimed at the target, or left or right of it. Alignment: The position of the body at address. It can be parallel to the flight line, left of it or right of it. Notice that the ONLY thing looking at the target, or the desired start line, is the club face.
How to set up a golf club?
I recommend the following as pre-shot routine: 1 Stand behind the golf ball to see your desired starting line. 2 As you approach the golf ball, AIM THE CLUB FACE FIRST at your desired starting line. 3 Then and only then, align your body to the line at which the club face is aimed.
Do you aim left or right in golf?
Your swing may very well require you to aim left or right, for example, depending on your attack angle. I am also not indicating that alignment always directs the swing, but you need to be sure you are set up where you think you are and have the correct relationship between your club face and your stance.
